World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals: Ranking the Four Matchups

The tournament has narrowed from 48 teams to just eight, setting the stage for thrilling quarterfinal clashes starting Thursday. Here’s our take on how these four games rank after an exciting Round of 16.

4. Argentina vs. Switzerland

Saturday | 9 p.m. ET | TV: Fox

Odds to advance: Argentina (-285), Switzerland (+220)

Switzerland’s appearance in the quarterfinals marks their first since 1954, following a solid victory over Colombia. Some might argue this match isn’t as high-profile as an Argentina-Colombia showdown given their recent Copa América final and Colombia’s relative edge, but we think Switzerland deserves respect.

Argentina has delivered some of the tournament’s most intense knockout matches so far, living up to their reputation for drama. Both teams bring plenty of experience, yet Switzerland will likely adopt a defensive approach. Attempting a late-game comeback against Argentina may prove futile.

3. Belgium vs. Spain

Friday | 3 p.m. ET | TV: Fox

Odds to advance: Spain (-325), Belgium (+250)

Belgium’s commanding win against the United States raised questions—was it a one-time surge or a sign of improvement? Key players like Kevin De Bruyne missed time recently, while Jeremy Doku and Romelu Lukaku emerged as dangerous substitutes. The U.S. defense struggled, which might have inflated Belgium’s dominance.

Spain has grown stronger as the tournament progressed, though their breakthrough against Portugal came late. Portugal's defense was among the best, conceding only three goals in five matches. Belgium’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is a strong asset, but Spain’s fluid passing could trouble Belgium’s midfield and back line, especially with Amadou Onana sidelined by a knee injury.

2. France vs. Morocco

Thursday | 4 p.m. ET | TV: Fox

Odds to advance: France (-375), Morocco (+275)

This matchup features last tournament’s semifinal rematch but doesn’t claim the top spot here. Morocco has impressed offensively with 10 goals in five games, showing clear progress from 2022 when they scored six times across seven games and had multiple scoreless outings.

Defensively, Morocco remains strong, with four clean sheets before falling 2-0 to France in that previous semifinal. This French squad boasts a more potent attack than four years ago, led by Kylian Mbappé who trails only Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot. Teammates Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele, and Bradley Barcola create additional threats, ensuring opponents can’t focus solely on Mbappé.

Both teams exhibit defensive weaknesses, relying heavily on their offenses to cover gaps. Morocco presents perhaps France’s stiffest challenge in this tournament.

1. England vs. Norway

Saturday | 5 p.m. ET | TV: Fox

Odds to advance: England (-225), Norway (+175)

England has a real shot at the title, but Norway’s chances shouldn’t be dismissed. Erling Haaland’s World Cup debut has been remarkable, scoring seven goals despite missing Norway’s final group game alongside other starters. His teammates have added four more goals, making Norway a formidable force when Haaland is on the pitch.

England’s defenders know Haaland well. John Stones and Marc Guehi share club ties with him at Manchester City, and Ezri Konsa has faced him at Aston Villa. Yet even familiarity didn’t stop Haaland from outplaying Brazil’s Gabriel Jesus for a goal.

The Three Lions face a shift from Mexico City's altitude to Miami’s humidity. Their recent win over Mexico was tough, especially playing much of the second half with ten men. Norway won’t shy away from attacking, having outplayed Brazil earlier in the tournament.